Finding the radius of a brass ball using tension?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the radius of a solid brass ball based on the tension in a wire from which it is suspended. The context includes the mass density of brass and the relationship between tension and gravitational force.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to calculate the mass of the ball using the tension and gravitational force. There are inquiries about the relationship between tension and weight, as well as the formula for the volume of a sphere.

Discussion Status

The discussion has progressed with participants confirming the relationship between tension and weight. There is a clear direction towards calculating the radius from the volume derived from the mass, although no consensus on the final steps has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of the problem statement and the provided density of brass, while exploring the necessary formulas for volume and mass.

rought
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Homework Statement



One end of a wire is attached to a ceiling and a solid brass ball is tied to the lower end. The tension in the wire is 120N what is the radius of the brass ball.


Homework Equations



Brass Mass Density (kg/m^3) = 80470


I have no clue how to solve this one, can anyone help?
 
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Start by drawing a free body diagram. You need to figure out the mass of the ball. How do you think you might do that?
 
hage567 said:
Start by drawing a free body diagram. You need to figure out the mass of the ball. How do you think you might do that?

Could you find the mass of the ball by taking the tension and dividing it by the force of gravity? Would tension equal the weight force (Mass x Gravity) ?
 
rought said:
Could you find the mass of the ball by taking the tension and dividing it by the force of gravity? Would tension equal the weight force (Mass x Gravity) ?
That's correct. Two forces act on the ball: The upward tension of the wire and the downward pull of gravity. They must balance, thus: T = mg.
 
Doc Al said:
That's correct. Two forces act on the ball: The upward tension of the wire and the downward pull of gravity. They must balance, thus: T = mg.

Ok I got that, but how do you find the radius of the ball from the volume that I calculated from the mass?
 
What's the formula for the volume of a sphere?
 
hage567 said:
What's the formula for the volume of a sphere?

V = (4/3)πR^3 right?
 
That's right.
 
hage567 said:
That's right.

Alrite I get what to do now, thanks a ton =]
 
  • #10
You're welcome. :smile:
 

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